Player Piano

The redheaded youngster next to Paul looked at his badge. “Oh, Doctor Proteus. I’ve heard of you. How are you, sir?”

“Paul, not Doctor. Fine, how are you—” he studied his companion’s badge—“Doctor Edmund L. Harrison, of the Ithaca works?”

“Get to know the man next to you,” said the loudspeaker. “Don’t talk to anyone you know.”

“Married?” said Paul.

“That’s what you’re here for, to get to know new people, to broaden your horizons,” said the loudspeaker.

“Nossir, I’m en—“

“The more contacts you make here at the Meadows,” said the loudspeaker, “the more smoothly industry will function, co-operationwise.”